His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and a number of state leaders and representatives, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center "ADNEC", witnessed yesterday the opening ceremony of the "Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2020", which is held under the title " Accelerating the pace of sustainable development. ”His Highness affirmed that the week is a platform for dialogue and the formulation of ideas and business strategies that focus on sustainability issues.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during the ceremony that started with a minute's silence, welcomed the spirit of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Saeed, leaders of the countries and their representatives, experts and guests.
His Highness affirmed that the UAE continues its vital role, led by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, to contribute to uniting efforts, to find solutions to the challenges facing the world, especially in the areas of energy and environmental sustainability.
A platform for dialogue
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that what we are witnessing today is a large global gathering in Abu Dhabi through a new session of the "Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week" confirming the leading position of the UAE, as a fundamental supporter of sustainability initiatives, discussing its issues and promoting the active participation of the international community In laying the foundations for comprehensive development.
His Highness affirmed that the week is a platform for dialogue and the formulation of ideas and work strategies that revolve around sustainability issues, and represents a dedication to the approach of the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, who adopted sustainability as a working method to achieve progress in all fields, noting His Highness that a state The UAE has made great strides towards consolidating sustainability, as it is a fundamental pillar of national development efforts, and its adoption of an institutional framework in accordance with the "Emirates Vision 2021".
Opening policy
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan stressed that the civilization renaissance achieved by the UAE since its foundation was the product of this open mindset on dialogue with the other and the exchange of knowledge with various parties, stressing his highness the need to enhance this openness in light of the state’s readiness this year, To draw the features of the next 50 years.
And His Highness continued, "We are looking forward to the future with more determination and confidence, to continue the march of the homeland, and achieve what is best for our future generations and all mankind."
A global destination
Meanwhile, Minister of State and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company «Masdar», Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, said in a speech that “Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week” witnessed a great development over the past decade to become a global destination for sustainability, consolidating the legacy of the founder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, and his commitment to support humanitarian action and sustainable development.
The role of Indonesia
For his part, the Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, stressed the need for joint action to face the repercussions of climate change, and to find alternative energy sources to meet the growing global needs.
He pointed to the active role played by Indonesia to support the endeavors to switch to biofuels, as Indonesia is the first in the world in the production of biofuels extracted from palm oil, which constitutes 40% of the total biofuels extracted from other plant elements in the world, which contributes to achieving Significant cost savings and reduced carbon emissions.
The Indonesian President called for building cities based on the pillars of sustainability and adopting environment-friendly standards for future generations, such as "Masdar City" in Abu Dhabi, pointing to the vital projects that his country plans to consolidate sustainable practices.
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week agenda
The "World Future Energy Summit", the main event on the "Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week" agenda, hosts more than 850 exhibitors from 40 countries.
The second session of the "Sustainability Future Summit" will be held on January 14 and 15, and its main theme will be: "Reconsidering patterns of consumption, production and investment in the world."
The list of speakers for the week includes state leaders, heads of government, a number of Emirati and foreign dignitaries and sector leaders in the world.
The "Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week" is witnessing the second session of the "Abu Dhabi Forum for Sustainable Finance", which focuses on increasing dependence on sustainable financing, and directing capital towards investments that have positive repercussions on the economic, social and environmental aspects.
As for the "Youth for Sustainability" Center, it provides a platform for students, young professionals, innovators and entrepreneurs to see the future of the sustainability sector and communicate with sector experts, while the Forum on "Climate Innovations - Clix", one of the main components of the "Youth for Sustainability Center" continues its role As a major event within the week, it will bring together investors and innovative people with the aim of forging effective partnerships that contribute to advancing efforts to reach sustainable solutions that contribute to reducing the impacts of climate change.
The week will also witness the "Women's Forum for Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy" on January 14th.
Zayed has adopted a work approach to achieving progress in all areas.